international intrigue

Silvio Berlusconi Again Sentenced to Prison Time He’ll Never Serve

Former Perime Minister Silvio Berlusconi attends the presentation of the book
Photo: Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images

Italy’s chief slimeball Silvio Berlusconi was given a year in prison today in a wiretap case, but just like last time, will almost definitely not end up behind bars. First, there’s the appeals process, which cleared him of that pesky tax fraud conviction, and, if it comes down to it, that super Italian rule where “people aged over 75 and with sentences of less than two years do not have to actually go to prison.” (He’s 76.) Some broadcasting rights and underage prostitute charges are still pending separately, but yeah, same deal. 

Berlusconi Sentenced to Prison, Won’t Serve